Business Development Manager

About the Company

A-Z Experience is a leading provider of dynamic events and creative solutions, specializing in the design and execution of immersive events, exhibitions, conferences, and brand activations. Drawing on expertise in strategy, creative direction, project management, branding, fabrication, and live event operations, the company delivers end-to-end experiences for clients. With an eye on expansion, A-Z Experience is now strengthening its presence and cultivating new client partnerships in Riyadh.

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and commercially savvy Business Development Manager to spearhead efforts in establishing a robust new-business pipeline and enhancing brand visibility in the Riyadh region. This role emphasizes genuine client acquisition rather than simple networking, engaging actively in identifying viable organizations, generating qualified leads, and converting opportunities into lasting client revenue. Candidates must possess a nuanced understanding of how major organizations, including corporate, government, and institutional clients, source and commission event and creative services in Riyadh.

Key Responsibilities

• Devise and implement a strategic business development plan tailored to the Riyadh market, targeting priority sectors and key accounts.
• Pinpoint organizations with real needs for events, conferences, exhibitions, activations, and associated creative offerings.
• Conduct market research on organizations, decision-makers, procurement channels, event schedules, and upcoming projects.
• Proactively source and qualify meaningful leads, differentiating those with genuine commercial intent.
• Accurately document every opportunity, noting value estimates, probability of success, timelines, decision makers, and required next steps.
• Establish and deepen trust with decision-makers and relevant internal teams including procurement, marketing, and communications divisions.
• Leverage direct contact, referrals, industry events, and strategic partnerships to find and nurture opportunities.
• Act as a strong ambassador of the company’s capabilities throughout Riyadh.
• Secure client briefs, requests for proposal, invites to pitch, and credentials meetings.
• Prepare thorough opportunity handovers for internal Account, Project, and Creative teams.
• Assist with credentials presentations, pitch development, and commercial negotiations as needed.
• Maintain disciplined follow-ups during the procurement and decision-making phases.
• Gather competitor and market insight, analyzing reasons for winning or losing opportunities.
• Ensure the business development pipeline and revenue forecasts are meticulously updated.
• Provide transparent updates on progress, challenges, conversion rates, and required actions to management.
• Support continuity of relationships once projects commence, working closely with Account and Project Managers.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least five years of B2B business development or sales experience in events, experiential marketing, creative agencies, exhibitions, hospitality, or related professional service sectors.
• Track record of winning new business and converting relationships into tangible revenue streams.
• Background in securing briefs, RFPs, and pitch opportunities from new clients.
• In-depth familiarity with Riyadh’s commercial and governmental landscape.
• Preference for candidates who already maintain senior-level networks in Riyadh.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English, with outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in prospecting, qualifying leads, and managing sales opportunities.
• Strong sense of commercial judgment and ability to assess lead quality.
• Effective presenter and negotiator in high-stakes environments.
• Methodical approach to pipeline management and opportunity follow-up.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to synchronize efforts across teams based in both Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Experience in selling bespoke, project-driven or complex service solutions is advantageous.

Indicators of Success

• Development of a comprehensive map of target sectors, key accounts, and decision-makers.
• Regular generation of meaningful, qualified sales leads.
• An increase in the number of relevant briefs, proposals, and pitch invitations received.
• Stringent documentation and follow-up for all business opportunities.
• Well-maintained, accurate sales pipeline reflecting correct values and next actions.
• Conversion of marketplace relationships into sustainable client revenue.
• Delivery of precise and actionable handovers to account and project teams.
• Enhanced market presence and reputation for A-Z Experience within Riyadh.

Authority and Scope

The Business Development Manager is empowered to lead Riyadh market development, qualification of leads, and handover of relationships to internal teams. Approval is required for pricing, contractual terms, and service scope decisions. Client servicing and delivery transition to Account and Project Management upon contract award, with ongoing relationship support as appropriate.

Application Information

Candidates should be prepared to present concrete examples of how they have sourced, evaluated, and secured new business opportunities, and be able to demonstrate previous results with relevant commercial impact, clients, and sectors covered.